Carter Joseph Abrescy and Larry Kranich Library Award for Student Research Excellence

The Carter Joseph Abrescy and Larry Kranich Library Award for Student Research Excellence was established in 2017 to recognize outstanding undergraduate research at UC Merced. The award recognizes students who demonstrate effective use of library and information resources, as well as an understanding of the research process through reflection. A committee of faculty and librarians will review applications, which include a course paper or project and reflective essay, and select awardees. A total of $1,000 will be awarded each year; no more than two awards of $500 each will be awarded in a given year.

Visit Carter Joseph Abrescy and Larry Kranich Library Award for Student Research Excellence for more information, including eligibility criteria, key dates, awardee requirements, and how to apply for the award.

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Breaking the Rules One Drink at a Time: Prohibition in British Colonial Africa

Hurte, Byron

(2026)

From STEM to STEAM: The Case for Arts in Education

Lingatong, Kyahra Querubin

(2025)

The research, depicted through video media format, examines the shift of STEM dominance over humanities and arts education. The study emphasizes the essential role of humanities and arts as components to science and technical fields instead of opponents. STEM historically, through statistics, is seen with more funding - however evidence with integrating arts gains valuable modern skills needed in today’s workforce. To address representation gaps, the research highlights the importance that arts plays in creating equitability, cultural representation, and inclusivity. Schools that take multicultural approaches to learning are seen to have positive effects on programs, especially at an early age. Underrepresentation is seen in all sectors of education - including disability, sexual, and racial minorities, showing disparities outside of humanities as well. The research argues the importance of STEAM to not replace STEM but enrich it with opportunities and unique perspectives that those in humanities fields can offer. The conclusion is a call to action to rebrand STEAM to increase funding, awareness, and cross-disciplinary collaboration that can create more inclusive, culturally aware, learning environments.